Background Escherichia coli was first discovered in 1885 by Theodor Escherich, a German bacteriologist. Escherichia coli; (commonly abbreviated E. coli) is a rod-shaped, gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic bacterium of the genus Escherichia. E. coli is commonly found in the lower intestine of warm blooded organisms. E. coli can also be found in the environment and in foods. Most E. coli are harmless and actually are an important part of a healthy human intestinal tract. E. Coli is pathogen and It can cause illness. E.coli is contagious and can spread from fecal contamination. You maybe exposed to E.coli from contaminated water or food, especially raw vegetables and undercooked ground beef. Healthy adults usually recover from this infection within a week, but E.coli can be life threatening for young children and the elderly.
Role of disease E.coli is usually harmless and is an important part of the intestestinal tract. E. coli is not usually pathogenic. However it can cause infection. E.coli infection typically begins three to four days after exposure to the bacteria. Some of the signs and symptoms include: diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea and vomiting. The person may have a fever. Most people affected resolve the infection without antibiotics in about five to ten days. For most people treatment includes rest and fluids to prevent dehydration. Children under the age of five and the elderly develop more severe symtoms and usually require hospitalization and aggressive treatment. Severe cases of E.coli can lead to dehydration, bloody stools and even kidney failure. You can get E.coli infection by eating contaminated foods with the bacteria. Swallowing contaminated water and personal contact. If an infected person does don't wash his/her hands thoroughly they can spread the infection. Prevention No vaccine or medication can protect you from E.coli based illness however, to prevent E. coli bacteria infections: Wash hands thoroughly before using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before and after food preparation. Cook meat thoroughly. Avoid raw milk, unpasteurized diary products. Avoid swallowing water while swimming. Prevent cross contamination in food preparation.
Metabolism
Life cycle
Cell structure E.coli are gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria. E.coli possesses adhesive fimbriae and a cell wall that consists of an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides, periplasmic space with a peptidoglycan layer, and an inner cytoplasmic membrane.
References
1. impressive magazine.com by Bay City News November 12, 1013
2. Microbiology An Introduction 11th Edition Tortora, Funke, Case
3. www.mayoclinic.org
4. www.cdc.gov/ecoli/
5.science.howstuffworks.com
6. www.nature.com
7.www.ecl-lab.ca
8. www2.estrellmountain.edu
9.www.youtube.com
Escherichia coli
Scientific Classification
Role of disease E.coli is usually harmless and is an important part of the intestestinal tract. E. coli is not usually pathogenic. However it can cause infection. E.coli infection typically begins three to four days after exposure to the bacteria. Some of the signs and symptoms include: diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea and vomiting. The person may have a fever. Most people affected resolve the infection without antibiotics in about five to ten days. For most people treatment includes rest and fluids to prevent dehydration. Children under the age of five and the elderly develop more severe symtoms and usually require hospitalization and aggressive treatment. Severe cases of E.coli can lead to dehydration, bloody stools and even kidney failure. You can get E.coli infection by eating contaminated foods with the bacteria. Swallowing contaminated water and personal contact. If an infected person does don't wash his/her hands thoroughly they can spread the infection.
Prevention No vaccine or medication can protect you from E.coli based illness however, to prevent E. coli bacteria infections: Wash hands thoroughly before using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before and after food preparation. Cook meat thoroughly. Avoid raw milk, unpasteurized diary products. Avoid swallowing water while swimming. Prevent cross contamination in food preparation.
Metabolism
Life cycle
Cell structure E.coli are gram-negative, rod-shaped bacteria. E.coli possesses adhesive fimbriae and a cell wall that consists of an outer membrane containing lipopolysaccharides, periplasmic space with a peptidoglycan layer, and an inner cytoplasmic membrane.
References
1. impressive magazine.com by Bay City News November 12, 1013
2. Microbiology An Introduction 11th Edition Tortora, Funke, Case
3. www.mayoclinic.org
4. www.cdc.gov/ecoli/
5.science.howstuffworks.com
6. www.nature.com
7.www.ecl-lab.ca
8. www2.estrellmountain.edu
9.www.youtube.com